Abstract: An over-running cluch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface and in which a mechanism adds compliance to the system in order to lessen the abruptness of lock-on in the system.

Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which an input hub and output hub are compliantly coupled to soften the transition between the unlocked and locked state of the over-running clutch pulley.

Abstract: A two-way clutch for allowing limited torque to be transferred until a roller clutch mechanism is forced to an engaged position. The present invention includes a roller clutch, with a torque generating device mounted thereon, including an actuator for producing an axial force onto a clutch pack. A torque transfer device is disposed between the torque generating device and the roller clutch. The torque transfer device is adapted to receive torque from the torque generating device and to transfer torque to the roller clutch. When a predetermined level of torque is produced by the torque generating device, the torque transfer device moves the roller clutch into an engaged position.

Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.

Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.

Abstract: A two speed pulley assembly comprised of a sheave, a brake member, an output member, and a brake. The sheave receives a rotational input and also includes a series of carrier arms which cooperate to define a circle which is coaxially with the sheave. Rollers are rotatably supported on said carrier arms. A braking member is rotatably supported relative to said sheave and includes portions defining a first raceway in contact with the rollers. An output sleeve is also rotationally supported relative to the sheave. The output sleeve includes portions defining a second raceway in contact with the rollers. The brake inhibits rotation of the braking member when engaged while permitting rotation thereof when disengaged. Mounted between the sheave and the output sleeve is a one-way clutch bearing. The clutch bearing engages when rotation of the sheave attempts to or begins to overrun rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having driving and driven members with concentric cylindrical surfaces and which are independently rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of recesses are formed in the cylindrical surface of the driving member. The recesses include ramp surfaces which extend to the cylindrical surface. Roller elements are positioned in each of the recesses and a retainer, which is also independently rotatable about the axis, circumferentially interconnects the roller elements together. The retainer causes the rollers to move substantially in unison with one another and a biasing member individually biases each roller element into its respective recesses. During relative acceleration of the driving member relative to the driven member, the roller elements move along and up the ramp surfaces to a position where they become wedged between the driving and driven members. When wedged, torque can be transferred through the clutch assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.

Abstract: A variable speed drive device for mounting to a rotatable shaft and being driven by first and second belts. The device includes a first pulley of a first diameter and a second pulley of a second diameter, each engaging one of the belts. The first pulley mounts directly to the shaft via a mounting hub extending laterally therefrom. The second pulley is positioned radially outward of the hub and a bearing is located between the two. Also located between the two is a clutch mechanism that engages when the second pulley tries to rotates faster than the first pulley. In this manner, the first pulley drives the shaft at a first speed when the first pulley is rotating faster than the second pulley and the second pulley drives the shaft at a second speed when the second pulley is trying to rotate faster than the first pulley.

Abstract: An in-use rolling element bearing monitoring system which uses a piezoelectric film transducer on either a bearing, bearing support structure, or on a separate washer in close proximity to a bearing for monitoring bearing performance. One embodiment provides a bearing monitoring system for detecting and predicting bearing failure. Another embodiment provides a system configured for detecting rotational speed of a rolling element bearing. Each embodiment of the invention entails maintaining a piezoelectric film transducer in contiguous pressure wave responsive communication with a bearing for detecting bearing performance, and provides the system in a compact configuration for in-use operation on a variety of machinery and vehicle components heretofore previously not compatible.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic sensor system and integrated sensor bearing assembly for detecting movement or position of a rotating wheel bearing having a multi-pole tone ring which produces an alternating magnetic field indicative of movement and position of the rotating member. A magneto-optical material, such as a bismuth garnet iron (B.I.G.) crystal, having discrete magnetic domains is positioned in the vicinity of the tone ring so that the domains align themselves to the magnetic field generated by the tone ring. A single fiber optic cable, preferably single mode fiber, carries light generated by a source of light to the B.I.G. crystal. The light passes through the B.I.G. crystal and is refracted at domain boundaries in the crystal. The intensity of the refracted light is indicative of the amount of alignment of the domains and therefore the strength of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An over-running clutch pulley in which a pulley sheave and hub cooperate to define a composite inner cylindrical surface. A coil spring engages the composite cylindrical surface. The spring is oriented to transfer torque from the pulley sheave to the pulley hub when the pulley sheave is driving the pulley hub. The spring allows slip to occur between the pulley hub and sheave when the sheave is decelerated relative to the hub.

Abstract: Variable effective diameter pulleys comprise identical interleaved sheaves mounted on identical hubs that in turn engage balls in key ways or splines. A single helical spring within the pulley assembly urges the hubs apart to thereby increase the effective pulley diameter. The pulley design is symmetric about the central pulley plane perpendicular to the axis of the pulley. In one embodiment all of the pulley parts with the exception of the spring and balls are conveniently formed with simple sheet metal stampings. Permanent assembly requires only circumferential external welding or circumferential mechanical fastening near the periphery of each sheave. In another embodiment the stamped parts may alternatively be die cast or otherwise formed and welded together. Both embodiments of the pulley are particularly suited to automated assembly and mass production.

Abstract: A hub and bearing assembly particularly adapted for motor vehicle application having anti-lock braking system (ABS). Wheel speed sensors are provided in accordance with this invention having a tone wheel configured from a support substrate having a layer of magnetic ink coated thereon. The magnetic ink is magnetized after coating and can be used in conjunction with passive sensors such as variable reluctance types, or active sensors including semi-conductor Hall effect types. The wheel speed sensors of this invention can be adapted for driven or non-driven wheel applications and are sufficiently compact to enable the device to be integrated into the bearing structure and protected from environmental exposure.

Abstract: A fluid control valve of "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement for use with electrorheological fluids comprises a plurality of channel plates and printed circuit board plates alternatingly stacked together. Electrodes are printed on the printed circuit board plates to form walls on sides of channels formed in the channel plates. Holes piercing the printed circuit board plates are so located as to permit the flow of fluid through the printed circuit board plates from channel plate to channel plate at specific locations thereby causing the flow of fluid through a "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement. Electric activation of selected electrodes cause the flow of fluid in channels between the selected electrodes to become exceedingly viscous or "freeze" and thereby close selected portions of the "Wheatstone Bridge". In the most common arrangement closure of parallel valves cause flow through the cross arm of the "Wheatstone Bridge" and actuation of an hydraulic device connected into the cross arm.